Published: July 6, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Jude Bellingham helped England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after overcoming a spirited Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating Round of 16 encounter. Bellingham and Harry Kane starred for the Three Lions, who produced a resilient display despite playing with ten men for over 35 minutes, while Mexico fought until the final whistle in a contest that featured five goals, two successful penalties and moments of individual brilliance.
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The match remained evenly poised for much of the opening half-hour before England found the breakthrough in the 36th minute. Bukayo Saka delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Jude Bellingham met it with a diving header that nestled into the far corner. The goal was Bellingham’s third of the tournament and handed England a strong start.
Jude Bellingham needed just 99 seconds to find the net again, doubling England’s lead after Harry Kane’s incisive pass exposed Mexico’s defence. The midfielder made no mistake, completing his brace and putting the Three Lions firmly in control.
Mexico responded before the interval to breathe new life into the tie. In the 42nd minute, Julián Quiñones produced a moment of magic, curling a powerful direct free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and shift the momentum heading into halftime.
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England’s task became significantly tougher in the 54th minute when Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red card for a reckless follow-through challenge on Gallardo, forcing the Three Lions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men.
England restore two-goal cushion
Despite the numerical disadvantage, England restored their two-goal cushion in the 60th minute after being awarded a penalty for the challenge on Gordon by Rangel. Captain Harry Kane stepped up and confidently dispatched a right-footed effort into the far corner, extending the lead to 3-1.
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Mexico refused to go away and earned a penalty of their own in the 69th minute as Kane’s challenge brought down Gutierrez in the penalty box. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez made no mistake from the spot, driving his effort into the far corner to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense final 20 minutes.
England down Mexico to reach quarterfinals
The hosts pushed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, but England’s defence stood firm despite being reduced to ten men, withstanding sustained late pressure to seal a hard-fought victory.
England became the first-ever team to win a World Cup match against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The result sent the Three Lions into the quarterfinals, while Mexico bowed out after an impressive campaign that captivated home supporters. Kane’s goal and assist, coupled with Bellingham’s continued scoring form, proved decisive as England kept their FIFA World Cup dreams alive.
